Arc I
First Hand, 2022
8/10
The revered pianist Orion Weiss brings us interpretations of work by Enrique Granados, Leoš Janáček and Alexander Scriabin here, and his solo piano prowess certainly shines across the diverse landscape.
“Goyescas: Op 11”, by Granados, starts the listen with Weiss’ graceful and exploratory finger acrobatics emitting much beauty and warmth in a complicated yet universally enjoyable delivery.
The middle track, Janáček’s “In The Mists”, is capable of bare, intimate moments just as it is flowing and melodic key manipulation, where an occasional rumbling bout glides amid the adventurous spirit. Unfolding like more of a diary entry, the 4 movements are laced with despair, death and repetition.
The final track, Scriabin’s “Piano Sonata No. 9 Op. 68, ‘Black Mass”, exits with a charming, dreamy quality that later on gets a bit tense and is subject to quiet chants, too.
The first in a three part series, Weiss makes the most of every moment, and his stunning skill is certainly appreciated on this very well thought out body of work.
Travels well with: Jean-Michel Blais- Aubades; Cameron Carpenter- Bach & Hanson